Causes of intussusception in children

Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
Updated on September 19, 2024
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The causes of intussusception are divided into primary and secondary types, with 95% being primary, commonly seen in infants and young children. In infants, the mesentery of the ileocecal area is not yet fully fixed and has greater mobility, which is a structural factor prone to intussusception. Secondary cases account for 5%, where intussusception occurs. Some intestines show clear organic changes, such as Meckel's diverticulum, intestinal polyps, intestinal tumors, intestinal duplication anomalies, abdominal purpura, and thickening of the intestinal wall, which can cause intussusception of the intestines. Certain triggers, including dietary changes, viral infections, and diarrhea, can induce intussusception.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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Causes of intussusception in children

The causes of intussusception are divided into primary and secondary types, with 95% being primary, commonly seen in infants and young children. In infants, the mesentery of the ileocecal area is not yet fully fixed and has greater mobility, which is a structural factor prone to intussusception. Secondary cases account for 5%, where intussusception occurs. Some intestines show clear organic changes, such as Meckel's diverticulum, intestinal polyps, intestinal tumors, intestinal duplication anomalies, abdominal purpura, and thickening of the intestinal wall, which can cause intussusception of the intestines. Certain triggers, including dietary changes, viral infections, and diarrhea, can induce intussusception.

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Written by He Zong Quan
General Surgery
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Intussusception earliest symptoms

The earliest symptoms of intussusception are primarily abdominal symptoms, including mild abdominal distension, abdominal pain, with pain mainly around the navel. This pain generally does not show significant relief and tends to intensify. There may also be cessation of passing gas and stool, and the patient might sometimes experience nausea and vomiting. If the symptoms of intussusception do not alleviate, we carry out an abdominal imaging examination, which may reveal fluid levels, indicating intestinal obstruction, and the intussuscepted bowel can be found. At this point, early air enema reduction can be performed. If the condition is not treated timely, it can lead to aggravated symptoms of intestinal obstruction, and even require surgical treatment.

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Written by Bai Yan Hui
Pediatrics
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Intussusception should visit which department?

Intussusception generally falls under pediatric surgery, but many children arrive at the hospital without a clear self-diagnosis of intussusception; they often come due to abdominal pain. They can visit either the internal medicine department or the surgical department. At this point, the attending physician will conduct a thorough medical history inquiry, such as a standing abdominal radiograph, abdominal ultrasonography, and physical examination, to aid in diagnosis. If a diagnosis confirms the need for surgical intervention, whether it involves air enema or surgery, it is definitely within the scope of the surgical department.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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How is intussusception diagnosed?

Intussusception is one of the common acute abdominal conditions in infants and young children. The primary clinical symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, and "jam-like" stools, with a mass often palpable in the abdomen. Initially, the overall condition of the child is generally fine, but in the later stages, symptoms such as dehydration, lethargy, coma, and shock can appear. Any healthy infant or young child who suddenly experiences episodic abdominal pain or periodic, regular bouts of crying, accompanied by vomiting, bloody stools, and a sausage-shaped mass in the abdomen, should be highly suspected of having intussusception. Once intussusception is confirmed, timely enema treatment should be administered to the child, and if the opportunity for an enema has passed, surgical treatment should be considered.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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Intestinal intussusception described by ultrasound.

The appearance of intussusception under ultrasound shows concentric or target ring-shaped mass images on a transverse section scan, and a sleeve sign on a longitudinal section scan. For an ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction, a balloon is inserted through the anus and inflated, connecting a T-tube to a Foley catheter with a side tube connected to a sphygmomanometer to monitor water pressure. Isotonic saline at a temperature of thirty to forty degrees is injected, and the target ring-shaped mass image can be seen retracting to the ileocecal region. The disappearance of the concentric circles or sleeve sign under ultrasound indicates the completion of this therapeutic diagnosis.